Step 1: Preparation
History is repeating itself while making people believe that they are witnessing unique event. War is an unpleasant manifestation of somebody’s manipulative and egoistic desires. It leads to massive losses and discreditation of a nation-invader for decades if not centuries. This month the X would like to highlight the heroic deed of Canadians from 1st Hussars Regiment and their English Allies.
Winter of 1942 appeared to be colder than any other for people, who left their home to protect the freedom of European Continent. First months were especially unpleasant as the winds of Southern England seemed were ever-present and chilled to the bones. It blew all the dreams, wishes and memories. Life stopped and from now on soldiers had only one mission – save the future.
War makes all the expectations useless. The regiment was preparing for the fight, training every day with the little equipment they were provided with. But it is hard to imagine the real fight for yesterday’s kids. They found the courage to protect the land that was foreign for them. War realities are totally different from that romanticised image, created by writers.
It was hard to maintain the operability of the technique, as the first quarter of the year mechanics started training courses all over England. But towards spring things started to get better for the Regiment, as they received more Ram tanks and other needed equipment from Canada. And the climate didn’t seem so uninviting anymore. Even once unloved beer became the best drink.
Moving all over south and keeping the training shape became quite of a tradition. Later in spring the King and Queen visited the Regiment. July of 1942 was full of new exercises aiming to improve map-reading skills. The mechanics returned and helped to maintain the increased number of tanks and other technique in perfect shape.
Beginning of August. 1st Hussars Regiment is under heavy air raid for the first time. It hit not only physically. Massive evacuation, full destruction of buildings and constant tension made some moments unbearable. But their beloved Southern town became little Canada, after most part of people evacuated.
Life goes on, even if it seems getting worse every day. The Regiment adjusted to something that can seem an insanity today.
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